Remote online notarisation — usually shortened to RON — is the process of completing a notarised document over a live video call, with an authorised notary verifying your identity and witnessing your signature electronically.
It sounds like a technicality. In practice it removes a genuine logistical barrier: the need to be physically present at a notary at a specific time, in a specific jurisdiction.
How remote online notarisation actually works
The process follows a consistent shape, regardless of provider:
- Identity verification. Before the session, your identity is established — typically against a government-issued ID, a knowledge-based authentication questionnaire, and sometimes biometrics or a credit check.
- The live session. A notary appears on video, confirms your identity in person, confirms your understanding of the document, and watches you sign.
- Electronic notarial certificate. The notary attaches a certificate completing the electronic notarial record, which includes the notary’s identity, the date and time, and the verification methods used.
- Tamper-evident seal. The completed document is sealed so that any subsequent modification is detectable.
- Retention. The notary is typically required to retain the record for a statutory period — often ten years in the US.
The point of the ceremony is not theatrical. The notary is applying what is known in legal practice as presence of mind — being satisfied that the person in front of them intended to sign what they signed. Video, identity evidence, and a retained record together establish that.
Where it is accepted
This is where care is needed, because acceptance is not uniform.
In the United States, remote online notarisation is authorised at the state level. Most states permit it, some require the notary to be physically located in the same state as the signer, and a small number restrict it further. Because the rules are state-based, the answer genuinely depends on where you are.
In the European Union, eIDAS provides the framework for remote electronic identification and qualified electronic signatures. Acceptance of remote video identification depends on the member state and the accepting authority.
For cross-border documents, the acceptance question is separate from the legality question. A notarial act validly performed may still not be accepted by the receiving authority — a registry, a court, a university, an embassy. Always confirm with whoever will receive the document.
What RON is not for
RON does not replace notarisation where wet-ink notarisation is specifically required, and it does not solve apostille or authentication requirements. It is also not a workaround for a jurisdiction that does not permit it — performing the ceremony remotely where it is not authorised produces a document that may be challenged on exactly that ground.
It is also worth being clear that notarisation verifies identity and willingness. It does not verify that the contract is fair, that the terms are reasonable, or that you understood them.
Remote online notarisation vs a standard e-signature
These are different tools serving different needs.
A standard electronic signature records intent to sign and produces an audit trail. It is sufficient for most agreements and takes seconds.
Remote online notarisation adds a third party — a notary — who independently verifies identity and applies a notarial certificate. It costs more, takes longer, and is only necessary where a notarised act is actually required.
Use a standard e-signature unless you have been told notarisation is required, or you want the additional assurance for your own reasons.
How to prepare for a remote notarisation session
- Have your valid government-issued photo ID ready.
- Find a private, well-lit space with no interruptions and a stable connection.
- Have the complete document ready — do not sign it beforehand.
- Know where every required signature and initial field is.
- Expect to be asked to confirm that you understand the document and are signing voluntarily.
Frequently asked questions
Is remote notarisation valid internationally? Validity follows the law of the jurisdiction where the notarial act takes place. Acceptance is a separate question that depends on the receiving authority. Confirm before relying on it.
Can I be notarised while outside my own country? Yes, if the notary is authorised to perform remote notarisation in the jurisdiction where they are located. This is precisely the situation RON was designed to address.
How long does it take? Typically 10 to 20 minutes, assuming identity verification has been completed in advance.
Do I need to travel or print anything? No. That is the point.
Where to start
ABSign’s remote online notarisation guide covers supported jurisdictions and the document requirements. Free RON consent templates are available in the ABSign template library, and signing is available on iPhone and iPad or in any browser.
General information, not legal advice. Notarisation requirements vary by jurisdiction — confirm the applicable rules before proceeding.
Related guides
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